Ruth Mary (McDonald) McDonald was born on November 5, 1929 in Neola, Iowa the daughter of William and Grace (Good) McDonald. Ruth entered into eternal peace on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Stanton Care Center.

Ruth's early years were spent in the communities of Neola and Underwood. She attended Underwood High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. She was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year. On June 22, 1955 she was united in marriage to James P. McDonald in Westin, Iowa. The couple made their home in Imogene, Iowa.

Ruth was a dedicated wife and mother. She worked alongside her husband Jim and oversaw the daily operations of the farm. She was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

Some of her passions included cooking, she was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed gardening, crocheting, doing needlepoint, and spoiling her grandchildren. Ruth was famous for making the "best" lemon meringue pie! She was an inspiration to her family and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter Mary Grace McDonald; son Michael McDonald, Sr.; brother Bernard McDonald and wife Iris; sister Rose Kathryn Leonard and husband Edward; brother Raymond McDonald and wife Beverly and sister Patricia Gridle and husband James.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband James McDonald of Emerson, IA; son Thomas McDonald and wife Susan and their son Levi; daughter-in-law Suzanne McDonald of Emerson, IA and her children Megan Kendrick and husband Josh of Glenwood, IA, Michael McDonald, Jr. of Emerson, IA and Katie McDonald of Emerson; great-grandchild Mason Kendrick of Glenwood, IA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.